Matterhorn Circuit Guided Hike

This morning at 9am (time to be confirmed before departure) we rendezvous with the group at St Niklaus, and have a briefing with our guide before commencing the ‘Tour du Cervin’, the official name for our 6 day hike. The first day is tough as the route begins with an ascent across high mountain pastures with awesome views to 4000m peaks from the village of Saas-Fee. The ascent continues to the Augsbordpass pass (2894m/9495ft) and then down into the Turtmann Valley through the forest. Overnight Grüben. Ascent +938m/3077ft, descent -1075m/3527ft

Today's hike takes us to the chalets of the high mountain pasture of Chalteberg to take advantage of a magnificent view over the glacier of Turtmann. We hike via either Forcletaz Pass (2874m/9429ft) or Meidpass (2799m/983ft) for the highest point of the day, crossing the linguistic boundary between the German-speaking and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. We'll continue by the high mountain pastures of Nava and Barneuza and visit the villages of Zinal and Grimmentz in the Zinal Valley. Overnight in St Jean. Ascent +1056m/3465ft, descent -1239m/4065ft

Today we hike along the stunning Moiry lake and continue to Tsaté Pass (2868m/9409ft). This long hike includes numerous ascents and descents to reach Haudères in the Val d'Hérens. During our hike through the flowered meadows we will be surrounded by the famous peaks of Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Weisshorn and Dent Blanche, all 4000m plus peaks. Ascent +778m/2552ft, descent -1244m/4081ft

Today we hike to the Bertol hut then the Plan de Bertol, which opens up to the Arolla Glacier. We cross the glacier which has a small slope and doesn’t require technical equipment. This is the historic road that once connected two valleys, used by caravans between Switzerland and Italy by the Collon pass (3074m/10085ft) at the border. We enter the Aosta valley with a magical arrival into the Italian hamlet of Prarayer and the emerald lake of Place Moulin. Overnight Prarayer hut. Ascent +1034m/3392ft, descent -1064m/3491ft

Today is a wild and alpine stage, far from the modern world; it is the longest and the most technical stage of the tour. Thanks to metal ladders, we reach the pass of Valcournera (3066m/10,059ft). Having followed a magnificent waterfall and crossed the torrent of Cignana, we arrive at the 'Finestra di Cignana', where the Matterhorn appears in all its beauty. Tonight we sleep at the foot of the limestone pyramid. Ascent +1062m/3484ft, descent -1133m/3717ft

Today we ascend by cable car to the Théodule pass, which brings us back into Switzerland. We have views of the Matterhorn all day as we descend using the most famous passage of the western Alps and arrive at the resort town of Zermatt (around 4pm), a highlight of the day. As Zermatt is a pedestrian zone, by taxi to Tasch just along the valley (to collect luggage). Depending on your fitness and weather/mountain conditions, there may be an option to ascend the summit of Breithorn (4165m) today, one of the most climbed +4000m peaks in the western Alps. This involves some organisation on your guide's behalf in respect to engaging a UIAGM qualified mountain guide and climbing equipment. The additional cost is approximately EUR460 for 1 person or cost can be shared between 2. This includes the mountaineering guide, crampons, harness and group climbing equipment. One way cable car fare is separate - approx EUR90. This must be paid for in cash locally. There are some technical aspects to the climb requiring care and attention at all times. The decision to ascend will be at your guide's discretion based on current conditions and your fitness. Those not ascending Breithorn will descend with your hiking guide. Descent -1645m/5397ft